Santa Cruz returns to Rovers

Paraguayan international Roque Santa Cruz has joined former club Blackburn Rovers on loan from Manchester City for the remainder of the English Premier League season.

Santa Cruz, 29, has struggled to fit in at Eastlands since being signed by former City manager Mark Hughes in 2009.

Santa Cruz, who will be available for Rovers match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, enjoyed a prolific two seasons in his previous stint at Ewood Park, netting 29 goals.

But he was selected by City manager Roberto Mancini just four times this season, scoring two goals.

"I felt a bit ignored by the manager. It's been hard not to play, not to be chosen, even though I feel great," said former Bayern Munich star Santa Cruz.

"It's frustrating, I've been playing a lot through the years with small injuries and just when I feel perfect to play and perform I wasn't selected.

"I feel like I am coming home, this has been the easiest decision of my career.

"I want to get playing and scoring goals again and this is a real chance for me to prove myself after a frustrating period. Everyone knows what Blackburn Rovers means to me."

Rovers manager Steve Kean said Santa Cruz has some unfinished business with Blackburn.

"When he was here first time he had a fantastic time and showed his quality," he said.

"I think he feels he has got a little bit of business to finish. Hopefully he will go and do that until the end of the season.

"He has got an infectious personality and was very popular here first time around. I'm sure he will be this time.

"He's coming back to a place that was special to him and I am sure he is going to deliver as good if not better."

Kean said he hoped Santa Cruz's move might become permanent eventually, adding that negotiations with City were ongoing.

"We are trying to speak to Manchester City to see if there can be an option at the end of it," he said.

"We'll ask for that and if we can get it, all the better."